biocontrol – Page 9

Is Ischnoderma benzoinum a competitor or contributor to Heterobasidion annosum decomposition of pine and spruce wood? A comparison to Phlebiopsis gigantea

mycolabadmin

This research examined how three wood-decomposing fungi interact when competing for the same wood resources. Scientists tested whether Ischnoderma benzoinum helps or hinders the harmful root rot fungus Heterobasidion annosum in pine and spruce forests. They found that the outcome depends on which fungus isolates are involved and which tree species is affected, with some combinations showing strong competition while others showed cooperative decomposition.

Trichoderma tlahuicanensis sp. nov. (Hypocreaceae), a novel mycoparasite of Fusarium oxysporum and Phytophthora capsici isolated from a traditional Mexican milpa

mycolabadmin

Scientists discovered and formally named a new fungal species called Trichoderma tlahuicanensis, found in traditional Mexican farming fields. This fungus naturally attacks harmful plant diseases like those caused by Fusarium and Phytophthora, making it valuable for protecting crops without synthetic chemicals. The researchers used advanced DNA sequencing to confirm it was indeed a new species, distinct from known Trichoderma relatives.

Bacillus subtilis ED24 Controls Fusarium culmorum in Wheat Through Bioactive Metabolite Secretion and Modulation of Rhizosphere Microbiome

mycolabadmin

A beneficial bacteria called Bacillus subtilis ED24 was found to effectively protect wheat plants from a destructive fungal disease called Fusarium culmorum. When applied to wheat seeds, this bacteria improved seed germination and plant growth better than a commercial chemical fungicide, while also promoting helpful microorganisms in the soil around the plant roots. The bacteria works by producing special chemical compounds that kill the harmful fungus and by enriching the soil microbiome with beneficial organisms.

Volatile Metabolome and Transcriptomic Analysis of Kosakonia cowanii Ch1 During Competitive Interaction with Sclerotium rolfsii Reveals New Biocontrol Insights

mycolabadmin

Researchers found that a bacterium called K. cowanii produces special gases (volatile organic compounds) that kill fungal plant diseases like those caused by Sclerotium rolfsii. When grown together with this fungus, the bacterium produces these toxic gases which inhibit fungal growth by up to 80%. The study identified specific genes the bacteria activate to produce these antifungal compounds, offering a natural alternative to chemical fungicides for protecting crops.

The Antimicrobial Extract Derived from Pseudomonas sp. HP-1 for Inhibition of Aspergillus flavus Growth and Prolongation of Maize Seed Storage

mycolabadmin

Researchers discovered that a beneficial bacterium called Pseudomonas sp. HP-1 can produce a natural compound that effectively prevents mold contamination in stored maize seeds. The extract from this bacterium showed strong antifungal activity against Aspergillus flavus, a major cause of aflatoxin contamination in grain storage. The main protective compound was identified as phenazinecarboxylic acid, which works by damaging the cell membranes of fungal cells. This finding offers a promising eco-friendly alternative to synthetic chemical fungicides for protecting stored crops.

Chemical clues to infection: A pilot study on the differential secondary metabolite production during the life cycle of selected Cordyceps species

mycolabadmin

This study examined two types of parasitic fungi (Cordyceps javanica and Cordyceps blackwelliae) that infect insects, comparing how they kill their hosts and what chemical compounds they produce during infection. Researchers found that each species uses different toxic molecules to infect insects, with C. javanica being more deadly and producing diverse compounds called beauveriolides. By analyzing infected insect corpses, scientists provided the first direct evidence that these toxic compounds are actually made during real infections, not just in laboratory cultures.

Antifungal Volatile Organic Compounds from Talaromyces purpureogenus CEF642N: Insights from One Strain Many Compounds (OSMAC) Strategy for Controlling Verticillium dahliae in Cotton

mycolabadmin

Scientists discovered that a beneficial fungus called Talaromyces purpureogenus can produce powerful antifungal compounds that kill cotton wilt disease. By growing this fungus on different nutrient media, researchers identified two main antifungal compounds: 3-octanol and 2-octenal. These natural compounds completely or nearly completely stopped the growth of the cotton wilt pathogen in laboratory tests, offering a promising green alternative to chemical pesticides for protecting cotton crops.

Identification and potential of the hyperparasite Acremonium persicinum as biocontrol agent against coffee leaf rust

mycolabadmin

Coffee plants are severely damaged by a fungal disease called coffee leaf rust that destroys leaves and can reduce harvests by over 70%. Scientists in China discovered a beneficial fungus called Acremonium persicinum that acts as a natural enemy to the rust-causing fungus, essentially eating and destroying it. Laboratory tests showed this beneficial fungus prevented rust infection in 91% of cases and completely stopped the disease from spreading when applied to infected coffee leaves. This natural biological control offers an environmentally friendly alternative to chemical pesticides for protecting coffee crops.

Study on the Effect of Sooty Mould Disease in Tea Plants

mycolabadmin

Sooty mould disease is a serious fungal infection affecting tea plants, causing a black coating on leaves that reduces photosynthesis and decreases the quality of tea. The study identified the fungus responsible (Cladosporium pseudocladosporioides) and showed that friendly bacteria can help prevent the disease. The research provides insights into how the disease damages plants at the cellular and genetic level, offering potential solutions for protecting tea crops.

Bacillus subtilis Strain TCX1 Isolated from Ambrosia artemisiifolia: Enhancing Cucumber Growth and Biocontrol Against Cucumber Fusarium Wilt

mycolabadmin

Scientists discovered a beneficial bacterium called Bacillus subtilis strain TCX1 that can protect cucumber plants from a devastating fungal disease called Fusarium wilt. This bacterium both kills the fungus directly through special compounds it produces and strengthens the plant’s natural immune system. Additionally, the bacterium helps cucumber plants grow better by producing growth hormones and improving nutrient absorption, making it a promising natural solution for farmers.

Research Keyword: biocontrol